Isfahan

World Craft City

Country

Iran

Province

Isfahan

Population

1,756,126

Area

250 km²

Time Zone

IRDT

Elevation

1,574

Isfahan

Isfahan is a metropolis surrounded by desert and semi-desert districts from east and Zagros Mountains from the west. The distance between the south of the capital of Iran and this city is about 414km and it is located at the height of 1575 m above the sea level and enjoys a moderate climate and partly regular seasons. Isfahan consists of 6 districts, 14 cities and 19 rural districts with many historical heritages and natural landscapes, which made Isfahan to be the 3rd biggest city in Iran, after Tehran and Mashhad. Isfahan is a district with Iranian civilization and culture which contains many heritages from all historical eras that registered in the list of historical monuments.

This city is one of the valuable archaeological centers, parallel to world-class areas, and many of its artifacts has been registered in the list of monuments and it has a high universal position for art, economy, science, industry, commerce and tourism. The name of Isfahan comes always along with Zayanderud River; also, it is properly called Nesf-e Jahan (means "half of the world") as one of the most spectacular places in Iran. Isfahan has been always a significant and glorious city in transportation and commodity exchanges because of its strategic axis along the Silk Road in the past and its heritage of ancient art, commerce and industry, at this time.

According to the history, Isfahan has been the industrial pole of the country. What placed Isfahan in this economical position is big industries such as iron foundry, automotive, military, aircraft, gas accessories and installations, Mobarakeh steel complex, refinery, polyacrylic, and different ceramic, tile making, stone, mine and stone cutting and textile factories. Also, this city is the center of Iran's handicraft on which a great part of the province's economy depends. Tourism has also prospered in this city. Isfahan is always a living place for different ethnics and religions and one of the most significant centers for immigration of different religions' believers including Islam, Christian, Jewish and Zoroastrian. People in Isfahan speak in Esfahani accent, a tonal accent with some differences in pronounce, vocabulary, and even structure in comparison with Persian standard language.

Isfahan, World Craft City

Date of Registration:2015

Considering as one of the most important ancient cities of Iran, historical precedence of Isfahan dates back to the third millennium BC. Being located at the center of Iran, it was the capital of Persia hence strategically important for the kings where to keep the troops to rule the country. Therefore, origin of the name was Sepahan, meaning troops town. During the centuries, it was also called by different names such as: Gabeh, Jey, Sepahan, Sefahan and Isfahan finally. The urbanity of the city is on the banks of Zayandehrud, a river with historical bridges that link south and north parts. With more than two million residents, Isfahan is now the third populous city of Iran. Isfahanians are well known for their hospitality.

Despite the important rule of Isfahan in the history of Persia, most of its fame was derived from one major act: Art.

The rich cultural city of Isfahan has been the Mecca of Art lovers since the 12th century. The prevalence of crafts has given it a quite unique character despites its rapid industrialization. It was the first Iranian place included in WIPO for its different and vast artistic fields which are more than 130 until now. Some of the most important fields are: Enamels (Mina-kari), Turquoise inlaying (Firoozeh koobi), Brocade (Zari-Bafi), Velvet weaving (makhmal-Bafi), Metal lattice (Moshabbak-felez), Metal Volumes (Ahjam e Felezi), Samovar Crafting (Samavar Sazi), Fine metal Carving ( Nazook Boori Felez) , Etching (Ghalamkari), Pottery of Shahreza City, Fine Wood Carving (Nazook Boori Choob) and Wood Carving.